Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!

Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

i tried searching to see if anyone else had a problem similar to this with no luck. i have a 1992 legacy 2.2l 4wd. the cel comes on if i drive to the store or something then turn it off for a short while. when i turn it back on the light comes on. it never turns on the first time i start it. if i let it sit for a few hours before i start it again then it is fine. sometimes i can get it to go away if i keep turning it off and on. also, does anyone know generally how much it costs to get an OBD test?
any ideas??
thanks

A '92 is not OBDII, it is OBDI. An OBDII scan tool will not work on pre-96 cars which are OBDI.
OBDI interfaces are proprietary/manufacturer-specific and the scanners to read them will generally be available only at dealers. It's possible that some shops may be able to scan it if they have a tool such as the Snap-On scanner with the proper module for your car.
With the OBDI system there is also a method for reading codes without a scanner by putting the ECU in a diagnostic mode and having it display the codes by flashing the check engine light. The procdedure to do this is in the service manual, I don't know it offhand but someone may post it here.

7. The self diagnosis mode is useful to diagnose malfunctions in the major sensors and actuators of the electronic fuel injection system. There are four different modes available for diagnosting drivability problems. Only the first mode, U-Check mode is used by home mechanics. The other modes are used by professional mechanics for self diagnosis. It is important to know that these other modes are used to detect drivability problems that store trouble codes because of random faults that may not be easily detected. The U-Check mode covers malfunctions that are constant or easily detected. Sometimes it will be necessary to double-check the symptoms before proceeding with the actual self diagnosics.

8. There are four modes in the self diagnosis system. The computer will illumiate the CHECK ENGINE light when it detects a problem in U-Check mode but not in D-Check mode. Therefore, it is also important to remember that there may be a problem in the system despite the fact that the CHECK ENGINE light is OFF. The D-Check mode level of diagnostics is difficult and is best handled by a professional>

The next few lines describe the different modes and I did not find it necessary to add it here.

<9. Make sure the test mode connector is connected. Note: It will be necessary to partially remove the driver's side trim panel under the dash to expose the diagnostic connectors.

10. Turn the ingnition key ON (engine not running) and make sure the CHECK ENGINE inspection light on the instrument panel is on, If the light is off replace the bulb.

11. Observe the CHECK ENGINE light on the dash. It will flash the trouble codes that have been stored whithin the computer. If the are no trouble codes stored, the CHECK ENGINE light will not flash. If the CHECK ENGINE light on the dash flickers, then the test modes connectors are still plugged together and they must be disconnected to enter the U-Check mode.

12. Observe the CHECK ENGINE light on the dash. It will flash the trouble codes in a clear and distinct manner. The first long flash will represent the first digit of the code designation. Next, the computer will flash the second digit of the code using short flashes. For example, four long flashes will represent the first digit, 4, followed by two short flashes is code 42. Record all the trouble code onto a notpad and observe the computer codes once again to double-check the acuracy as the ECM repeats the list of trouble codes after all the codes have been displayed one time.

- - phew - - I know it sounds confusing at first but that's the way it's written in the manual. From the illustration i can make out that the connectors are T shaped but it's a line drawing and black & white. I know that mine were located in a bundle under the steering column but that might be different form year to year.